Lab Safety

Lab Safety Procedures and Reference Information

Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - American Chemical Society

Minors in the Lab Policy and Procedures (non-UHCL students)
- Application for Minors in UHCL Lab (includes 12th grade)
- Release and Indemnification Agreement
Glass Handling and Disposal - Intact or Broken
Controlled Glassware and Precursor Chemicals

The Lab Safety Institute has compiled over 5,000 examples of accidents in labs for over 40 years. They have published these examples for purchase in bulk, or as a summary. Here is the index of other accident examples, and some of the worst in their 100 Years of Progress. Please contact x.2106 for access.

Lab Safety Training

Blackboard Training Enrollment Instructions

Training

General Laboratory and Chemical Safety Training - taken in Blackboard
Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - American Chemical Society Publication

Videos

Lab Safety Institute Favorites
Chemical Safety Board Videos- search for Experimenting with Danger and After the Rainbow

Humorous Videos

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE may be purchased at the bookstore. If purchased elsewhere, it must match the same protection as those chosen for sale at the bookstore. i.e., same length lab coat down legs and long sleeves, same size and design safety glasses and goggles with indirect vents and Z87 impact rating.

Lab Coats

Lab coats must be full length to the knees with long sleeves. Dental coats or doctors coats do not provide sufficient coverage. A blend of polyester and cotton is recommended to retain both liquid and flame retardant properties. 100% polyester lab coats shall not be used with flammable or pyrophoric materials. 100% cotton absorbs chemicals more easily and burns hotter in a fire if they do catch fire.

Safety goggles

Safety goggles with indirect vents are required for use with liquids, as the risk of splash and drip into the eye is present. Safety goggles should fit the face well to provide a seal. Safety glasses may be used with dry materials, and are chosen to provide the most coverage.

Eye Protection Demo

Gloves

Gloves are not suitable for use with every chemical. There are many types of glove materials. Each type is compatible and incompatible with different materials. Search by chemical for the recommended glove type, and then by the manufacturer for breakthrough time (length of time use) for that glove thickness.

Example: Best Brand N-Dex regular disposable gloves are not suitable for concentrated sulfuric acid. They have a breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.
Some Different Glove Types and Uses
Glove Selection by Chemical Search-Cole Parmer
Chemical Resistance Guide - Permeation & Degradation Data

Chemical Inventory

The UHCL Chemical Inventory is compiled within the OnSite Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (EHSA) software. A chemical inventory is required and serves several functions:

1) To know what materials are present and assess their hazards;
2) A location to store SDS's so that they may be reviewed when looking at chemicals needed for an experiment for hazard planning and first aid purposes;
3) Use for several agency reports throughout the year (e.g., DEA, TCEQ, DSHS); and
4) Allow faculty to share or dispose of items.

EHSA Login

Chemical Safety

Hazard Communication

Chemical Compatibility and Storage

High Hazard Materials

PYROPHORIC Chemicals – DOE Handbook
PYROPHORIC Materials – University of Berkeley
WATER REACTIVE Chemicals – University of Berkeley
Peroxide Forming Chemicals Storage Chart
Peroxide Forming Chemicals Labels
Controlled (Drug) Precursor Chemicals and Glassware

Biological Safety

UH-Biological Safety Manual
UHCL Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
UHCL Autoclave, Disinfection, and Blood Borne Pathogens Training for Labs (taken in blackboard, in Employee EHS training shell)
Autoclave Procedures
Autoclave Log and Efficacy Testing Sheets
Autoclave Bag Tags

See below for Biological Safety Cabinet and Fume Hood use information.

Incident Reporting

All personal and property incidents or injuries on campus or or University business must be reported within 24hrs or the next business day to EHS (EHS@UHCL.edu), and also Human Resources for employee incidents.

If you witness an incident, a witness statement must be submitted.

Go to the Incident Reporting Forms section on the EHS Forms page for pdf fillable forms for employees, students and visitors, and witnesses.

Forms Page

Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) Software

UHCL uses this software to keep track of regulatory obligations, inventories, permits, inspections, etc. Login is the same as your UHCL user id and password. There is also a searchable database hub for SDS.

EHSA Login

Fume Hoods and Biosafety Cabinets

Labs may be equipped with chemical fume hood(s) and/or biological safety cabinets. Here is information on safe work practices, how they work, and a decision matrix for selecting the right one.

Chemical Fume Hoods

Biological Safety Cabinets

Waste

Lab Waste Handling Chart - Overview of Waste Types
Waste Labeling Instructions
Waste Stream Information Form
Broken Glass box sign
Glass Handling and Disposal - Intact or Broken
Controlled Glassware and Precursor Chemicals

Laboratory Environmental Training

See Biological Safety section for biological waste and autoclaving procedures.

Laser Safety

Class 3b and 4 lasers must be approved and registered with the state. New laser proposals and new authorized users must be requested by sub-registration application or amendment to the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.

Notice to Employees: Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation - Lasers (PDF)
Laser Radiation Safety Awareness Training - for guests and visitors (also can be taken in blackboard in Employee EHS training shell)
UHCL Certificate of Registration for Lasers - License with the State
Laser Safety Manual UHCL
Laser Sub-registration Amendment form - to request new lasers or users

Laser Regulations and Requirements

Radiation Safety

Only individuals authorized by state license may possess and use radioactive materials. New users must petition, through the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) x.2107, an amendment to the present radiation license to obtain permission.

Notice to Employees: Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (PDF)

Radioisotope Regulations

X-Ray Safety Program

All equipment producing x-rays must be approved and registered with the state. New equipment proposals and new authorized users must be requested by sub-registration application or amendment to the X-ray Radiation Safety Officer (XRSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.